“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” ~E.P. Powell
My 4 year old did a Thanksgiving art project in school yesterday. His teachers asked him what he was thankful for, and they helped him write his thoughts on his masterpiece. (I can’t wait to see it!) He told me he was thankful for me, Daddy, and his old and new friends. WOW! I love my kid!
So, typical Thanksgiving-style post here I go!
I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful for my colleagues, my clients, and my readers. I am thankful that my business is successful. I am thankful for each and every one of the people with whom I network, have networked, have helped, or in some other way have helped me.
I am thankful that my son often wakes up singing. I am thankful that he loves to learn and that I am learning the patience I need to teach him. I am thankful that my husband is my partner. I am thankful that I have friends who care about me enough to reach out to me when I get so busy that I go “radio silent”. I am thankful that I get reminded to stop and take care of myself.
I am especially thankful that it doesn’t take a holiday for me to express my gratitude.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving full of laughter, joy, peace and gratitude.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Preparation
“Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.” ~~Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne~~
Even Pooh learned that preparation (or, maybe I should write Preparation) is critical. This time it comes in the form of research (Research).
Those who follow blindly because that’s what everyone else is doing may be spending a lot of time doing nothing that propels them forward. Taking some time in advance of taking some action, figuring out what your needs are before you make a commitment, is more than worth that time. Identifying the little steps that will help you achieve the big dream takes time, research, and planning, and there are many forms that preparation can take. Sometimes it’s as simple as going online. Sometimes, it’s more about networking and asking a lot of good questions. And I’ve discovered that the more questions I ask, the better I can hone in on what the good questions are. Researching a target and the path that will best help me reach that target will ultimately save me not only time, but energy and effort I can then spend elsewhere.
Do you know how to get to where you want to get to?
Even Pooh learned that preparation (or, maybe I should write Preparation) is critical. This time it comes in the form of research (Research).
Those who follow blindly because that’s what everyone else is doing may be spending a lot of time doing nothing that propels them forward. Taking some time in advance of taking some action, figuring out what your needs are before you make a commitment, is more than worth that time. Identifying the little steps that will help you achieve the big dream takes time, research, and planning, and there are many forms that preparation can take. Sometimes it’s as simple as going online. Sometimes, it’s more about networking and asking a lot of good questions. And I’ve discovered that the more questions I ask, the better I can hone in on what the good questions are. Researching a target and the path that will best help me reach that target will ultimately save me not only time, but energy and effort I can then spend elsewhere.
Do you know how to get to where you want to get to?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Motivation
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” ~~Henry David Thoreau ~~
I was totally inspired yesterday by, yes, another networking contact. I love how true networking works. I had absolutely no idea whatsoever what the purpose of that meeting was going to be. I had no preconceived notion about how I was going to be able to help her, or how she was going to be able to help me. So we sat down and started talking… and let the magic happen! It was an amazing meeting of the minds. It turns out, not surprisingly, that we can really help each other get to the next level. We can really help one another achieve those goals that until yesterday felt only like pipe dreams. So, here’s the lesson I learned… Keep dreaming those pipe dreams, because you just never know when they’re going to become your reality! And, there’s the next quote I hope to be known for!
More about my new networking friend: For anyone who is looking to manage stress, reduce anxiety, quit smoking, lose weight, gain focus, increase motivation or for some other reason just get out of your own way, please check out www.StephanieDalfonzo.com. I really am totally inspired!
I was totally inspired yesterday by, yes, another networking contact. I love how true networking works. I had absolutely no idea whatsoever what the purpose of that meeting was going to be. I had no preconceived notion about how I was going to be able to help her, or how she was going to be able to help me. So we sat down and started talking… and let the magic happen! It was an amazing meeting of the minds. It turns out, not surprisingly, that we can really help each other get to the next level. We can really help one another achieve those goals that until yesterday felt only like pipe dreams. So, here’s the lesson I learned… Keep dreaming those pipe dreams, because you just never know when they’re going to become your reality! And, there’s the next quote I hope to be known for!
More about my new networking friend: For anyone who is looking to manage stress, reduce anxiety, quit smoking, lose weight, gain focus, increase motivation or for some other reason just get out of your own way, please check out www.StephanieDalfonzo.com. I really am totally inspired!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Attitude
“You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice.” ~ ~Steven D. Woodhull~~
Everything I really need to know I think I can learn from my four year old.
Every day presents a new opportunity. Wake up singing. Revel in small accomplishments (they feel big at the time.) Go to school (or, in my case to work) and do your absolute best while you’re there. Life happens, so learn how to self-soothe. Petting the cat is calming. Hugs make everything better. Read a good book. Play, and then play some more. Get a good night’s sleep. And then remember that every day presents a new opportunity.
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~Angela Schwindt
Everything I really need to know I think I can learn from my four year old.
Every day presents a new opportunity. Wake up singing. Revel in small accomplishments (they feel big at the time.) Go to school (or, in my case to work) and do your absolute best while you’re there. Life happens, so learn how to self-soothe. Petting the cat is calming. Hugs make everything better. Read a good book. Play, and then play some more. Get a good night’s sleep. And then remember that every day presents a new opportunity.
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~Angela Schwindt
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Focus (and Determination)
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” ~~John Calvin Coolidge~~
Focus, razor sharp determination, that’s the key to cutting through the huge pile that is my “to do” list today. I can, and I will remain focused, on task, and determined to accomplish all that I have set out in front of me. I am prepared. I have a plan. I will execute and I will prevail! And I am just as determined to have fun while I do it!! Today is a great day!
Focus, razor sharp determination, that’s the key to cutting through the huge pile that is my “to do” list today. I can, and I will remain focused, on task, and determined to accomplish all that I have set out in front of me. I am prepared. I have a plan. I will execute and I will prevail! And I am just as determined to have fun while I do it!! Today is a great day!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Preparation
“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.” ~~Ivy Baker Priest~~
That’s an interesting perspective. Much like Seneca (and then Semisonic) said, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.” Since we have no real idea of what our new beginning may be, we cannot possibly prepare for every outcome. So, here’s another new perspective; prepare for the best. “If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for.” ~~Florence Scovel Shinn
That’s an interesting perspective. Much like Seneca (and then Semisonic) said, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.” Since we have no real idea of what our new beginning may be, we cannot possibly prepare for every outcome. So, here’s another new perspective; prepare for the best. “If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for.” ~~Florence Scovel Shinn
Monday, November 1, 2010
Preparation
“If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.” ~~Olin Miller~~
I find it very easy to procrastinate. People ask me often how I have the self-discipline to work from home, and the answer is, truthfully, I don’t. Not innately anyway. I find it. What I do have is a strong desire to succeed, and not enough of a need to rent office space. It is the preparation, both physical and mental, which allows me to appear disciplined. I know what I have to do, and I am prepared to get it done. It is my “to do list”, the picture of my 20-year plan, the mental affirmations and the consistent positive messaging that helps me at least get started. Then the rest of the week (and my writing of this blog) helps me with the rest. Staying focused, staying positive, pushing towards the goal and staying motivated make it all possible. Starting my day HERE sets my path. It is the very mental preparation I need to not procrastinate! So look out Monday! Here I come!!
I find it very easy to procrastinate. People ask me often how I have the self-discipline to work from home, and the answer is, truthfully, I don’t. Not innately anyway. I find it. What I do have is a strong desire to succeed, and not enough of a need to rent office space. It is the preparation, both physical and mental, which allows me to appear disciplined. I know what I have to do, and I am prepared to get it done. It is my “to do list”, the picture of my 20-year plan, the mental affirmations and the consistent positive messaging that helps me at least get started. Then the rest of the week (and my writing of this blog) helps me with the rest. Staying focused, staying positive, pushing towards the goal and staying motivated make it all possible. Starting my day HERE sets my path. It is the very mental preparation I need to not procrastinate! So look out Monday! Here I come!!
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